LA Rams assembling millenial NFL staff for HC Sean McVay

Coaching staff realignment

The generational difference did not show up in the Rams organization until they ran aground of adversity. Then, the differences in each coach’s background dictated how they approached problem solving.  Each generation can be successful.

Baby boomers are loyal to a fault, and exhibit a great work-ethic. And they’ve amassed a huge cache of experience. Their problem solving techniques favor the tried and true methods. In a similar vein, they will lead autonomously. Consensus building and collaberation is limited to “here’s what I plan to do, yes or no?”. More than that, and the baby boomer feels anxious.

Similarly, Generation X are very independant and self-sufficient. This generation dislikes micro-management and structure. In short, they want to control their area of expertise, and make the decisions.

Millennials

Finally, Millennials  are tech savvy. They love to innovate, and they are resourceful enough to do just that.  but most importantly, this generation is both collaborative and networked. That’s how they trouble shoot. Now the picture begins to take a bit of focus, doesn’t it?

McVay’s nature to fixing problems encountered with the Rams was to reach out to his coordinators and attempt to collaborate with them.  Baby Boomers Phillips and Peete naturally perceived that as “what’s wrong?” and would either resist McVay’s oversight into their areas, or would generate their own action plans and simply seek his yes or no.  Fassel would cringe at the interest, perceiving the elevated discussion as micro-managing.

To no suprise, both new offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley are… millenials.